Single Use Plastic Bag Regulation in Australia

Each Australian state and territory sets its own rules on single-use plastic bags, and most now ban lightweight plastic shopping bags. In New South Wales, for example, lightweight plastic bags with handles 35 microns thick or less have been banned since 1 June 2022. South Australia has also banned a range of single-use plastic items, including some bags. The National Retail Association keeps a current summary of each state's rules.

Reusable cotton bags are not single-use plastics, so they fall outside these bans. Earth Totes CANDY and CECILE are organic cotton string bags that retailers can stock at the counter or beside fresh produce as a reusable option. This page is general information, not legal advice; check the current rules in your state or territory.